Cherry MX Brown vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Jwick Taro. The Cherry MX Brown switches are often praised for their subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches offer a cozy typing experience, characterized by a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks. While the MX Browns are categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Taros are known for being neutral, buttery, and stepped. With these general pointers in mind, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the Jwick Taro have different housing materials in both their top and bottom housings. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, while the Taro has a polycarbonate top housing. This difference in material leads to distinct sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro produces a sharper and crisper sound because it is a stiffer plastic. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency, which is aesthetically pleasing. However, both switches have nylon bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder sound for both switches.
When comparing the bottom housings of the MX Brown and the Taro, both switches utilize nylon as the housing material. This common material leads to similar sound profiles for the switches. The softer nylon plastic used in the bottom housings of both switches absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in housing material ensures that the typing experience on both switches elicits a similar sound and feel.
If a switch has different housing materials for its top and bottom housings, this influences the overall sound profile and tactile feedback experienced when using the switch. Pressing down on the switch will primarily be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, while the sound produced when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing. In the case of the MX Brown, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Taro's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing has a greater impact on the sound experienced when releasing a key. Therefore, the housing materials of the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall experience of using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, some notable differences can be observed. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch, while the Taro's actuation force is unavailable. However, the MX Brown's bottom out force of 55 grams is lighter compared to the Taro's 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Brown would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation force and lighter bottom out force, typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions becomes more comfortable. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial push feel and a stronger typing experience may lean towards the Taro. Its heavier bottom out force provides a more solid and tactile keystroke, resulting in a more pronounced typing feel.
It is worth noting that although the actuation force of the Taro is unavailable, its medium-heavy bottom out force suggests a comparable actuation force. Therefore, individuals opting for either the MX Brown or the Taro can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preferences regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. 4.0mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, while 3.7mm is slightly shallower. Some people may prefer shorter travel distances, especially gamers who value faster response times. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Taro switch with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. However, for others, a shorter travel distance can feel too abrupt. In that case, the MX Brown switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice, providing a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are best described as having a bassy and low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deep, rich, and characterized by a lower frequency range. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced is moderate, neither too loud nor too quiet, making them suitable for a variety of situations and user preferences. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are described as having a textured or scratchy feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as having a buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Jwick Taro switches are also described as stepped, meaning they have a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtler and gentler typing experience with a light tactility and subdued audio feedback. They have a bassy sound profile and a textured feel, providing a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches offer a cozy typing experience with a snappy medium-level tactility and acute, crisp clacks. They have a neutral sound profile and a buttery, stepped feel. While the two switches differ in certain aspects, they both provide satisfying tactile feedback and can yield similar results depending on the user's preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Jwick Taro switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown switch is a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, and offers a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks, the Taro switch is a good option. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, and provides a snappy tactile feedback.
In terms of sound, the MX Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you are using it at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the MX Brown switch has a textured feel, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a buttery and stepped feel. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the stepped feel means that the switch has two stages, offering a more mild tactile sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Jwick Taro switches comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter and subtler typing experience with a textured feel, the MX Brown switch would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a medium-level of tactility with acute clacks and a smooth, buttery feel, the Taro switch would be a better choice. Consider your typing preferences, the desired sound profile, and the feel you are looking for to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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